Hello dear friends!
This is my mini-travel-blog on the beautiful Israel Trip that my family and i went for with New Creation's tour agent arm, Omega Tours. Just thought that it would be nice to share with you the photos, notes and experience that we all so loved.
Hope you enjoy the humble unprofessional photographs, and my not-so-eloquent ramblings. Just a simple personal documentation of my favourite holiday EVER.
(and also, please don't mind the countless self-absorbed photos of me hehe)
Hallelujuah!!
*Click on the side menu (archives) to navigate through the days and locations*
Tuesday, May 5
Wednesday, April 22
After Thoughts
The Israel trip to me has been a truly satisfying one. A blessed blessed trip. And I can't thank God enough for giving me this opportunity to visit His land, to stand in awe of His beauty, to learn so many truths about the culture and lifestyle of His chosen nation, and to experience His love and grace afresh once again.
The trip started off with a blessed blessed day. My mom's birthday. Haha.. it was almost like a birthday treat for her. Okay lah. It was. And I'm sure she was thrilled! :)
We knew quite a number of people on this trip already. 10 altogether. And yet, I remember being so overwhelmed by the sheer number of people at the airport! All the new faces, guessing whether they were from New Creation or not. Trying my best to recognise the faces, remember the names. Cos honestly, memory's superbly horrible. Getting better in Jesus' Name!
But yeah, rather overwhelming a group. Not in a bad way. Just.. so many people! (and I do thank God for that! :))
Said hi, put on a bright smile even though I just had an argument with my dad. Yes, that does happen. But I wasn't about to let it spoil my trip!
Honestly, waiting time at the airport was rather.. long for me. And so was the ride on the airplane. At least the one to Israel. 12 hours!! But God was good and sent lots of nice people to keep us company at the back of the aircraft. With warm soup and hearty chatter, it almost felt like we were in some kind of camp, squeezed behind in the small space.
Touching down in Israel, I really couldn't believe it. It was too surreal. Like, the day i've been waiting for all this while has FINALLY arrived. I felt too unprepared. I kept telling myself I should have read up more first before I came, then I would be able to understand all that's happening so much better. But hey, I guess that just leaves me with a reason for coming back a second time! ;)
Let's list down some thanksgivings:
1.Weather
it was truly beautiful. 20 degrees there abouts, with warm sun that made the day seem so perfect. Didn't rain at all, except for the very last day. Guess we had to leave some blessing behind for Israel. They're praying for rain all the time, and here we were praying for NO rain. Hahaha.. so we told God, only when we leave then you send the rain ok? And truly, that's what He did. On our last day! Our way of saying Farewell Jerusalem, and be blessed Israel! :)
one little incident. Piggie and I had breakfast with Moshe one morning, and the day was kinda dark, like it was about to rain. Moshe asked us if we brought our umbrellas or raincoats. And we didn't, because we had none. Then he asked us, so what's our plan should it rain? And silly me answered just as how I have been trained to answer.
"By faith!"
and you should have seen the look that swept across moshe's face. I mean.. it was like STUNNED. And a "NOT HAPPY" stunned. Because they have been praying and praying for rain, and here you have this young ignorant girl telling you how her God will stop the rain. (remember, they don't believe in Jesus)
best part was, God did stop the rain! =X I honestly had NO intention whatsoever of coming across as that arrogant "by faith" type of person. That's the last thing I wanted, especially to put your tour group leader down like that. Rather embarrassing isn't it? He didn't exactly React lah. He just looked at us and said a rather forceful "okay. I like that.". Definitely forced.
Anyhow, just hope he wasn't too affected by my stupid answer lah. Gulps.
Back to thanksgivings
2.Safety
Despite all the war that's going on. We were so so safe.
3.Fast Security
It could take forever. Seriously. But apparently, for most of it, it went by so fast! Hallelujah! =D
4.His Truths and Wonders taught
I've learnt so much. From Moshe, from Uncle Sidney, from just being there in the presence of God. It's life-transforming. That's why I love the song:
"there is a peace
there is a rest
that settles here in Your presence
When Your face is very near
Your love erases every fear
It's the power of Your presence
It's the strength of Your hand in mine
It's the glory of Your greatness
That has the power to change my life"
Amen!!
5.People
Really.. this I think is the most important point. Because honestly, it's the people who make the trip enjoyable. Of course I have the people I know. The uncle anils and the uncle peters. And their children. And we really did have fun! The suannings and all. The "serious" conversations, and the truly serious ones. That I will remember for quite a while ;)
but beyond that, there are the friends i've made throughout the trip. And in more ways than one, I thank God for them. So so much! :) to witness the joy that they have in their hearts, to see how friendly they are, and even though things might not be going exactly their way, they are still willing to accommodate and give in. in everything, there is peace. Laughter is always in the air. And it's that type of atmosphere that really lightens the entire trip up. Without all these marvellous fellowshipping, the trip wouldn't be half as good! Honest!!
will I go back to Israel again? OOH DEFINITELY. The question is when. But i'm sure the Lord will provide the right time, and right finances. And the right people once again! ;)
I came back terribly missing Israel. You know the sort of feeling where your heart feels like its sinking, sunk, deep into the pits. Into your stomach. Lost. Yeah, that's how I was feeling on the last day. It came too fast. Once again, too sudden. Sighhh.. I came back to Singapore wishing I was back there again, carefree and excited. Not that I can't lead that kind of life here, but.. it's just different lor.. because when you're there, it's like everything else in life is far far away. It's a form of escapism. But I like escapism in that sense. Hahaha..
oh well, at least I got lots of things to remind me of Israel. Gifts, photos, and this blog too!
And our newly made friends. We meed up like once a month at least, plus all the occasional meet ups in Suntec, and here and there.. hahaha.. we should seriously do this once-a-month meet up all the way! Even if some can't make it, those who can should still just hang out. Coz it's so edifying, just to see how everyone's doing.
Thank you lord for this wonderful blessed trip. I have once again come to experience your goodness and grace, and will never forget this experience that you have so lovingly blessed me with.. :)
The trip started off with a blessed blessed day. My mom's birthday. Haha.. it was almost like a birthday treat for her. Okay lah. It was. And I'm sure she was thrilled! :)
We knew quite a number of people on this trip already. 10 altogether. And yet, I remember being so overwhelmed by the sheer number of people at the airport! All the new faces, guessing whether they were from New Creation or not. Trying my best to recognise the faces, remember the names. Cos honestly, memory's superbly horrible. Getting better in Jesus' Name!
But yeah, rather overwhelming a group. Not in a bad way. Just.. so many people! (and I do thank God for that! :))
Said hi, put on a bright smile even though I just had an argument with my dad. Yes, that does happen. But I wasn't about to let it spoil my trip!
Honestly, waiting time at the airport was rather.. long for me. And so was the ride on the airplane. At least the one to Israel. 12 hours!! But God was good and sent lots of nice people to keep us company at the back of the aircraft. With warm soup and hearty chatter, it almost felt like we were in some kind of camp, squeezed behind in the small space.
Touching down in Israel, I really couldn't believe it. It was too surreal. Like, the day i've been waiting for all this while has FINALLY arrived. I felt too unprepared. I kept telling myself I should have read up more first before I came, then I would be able to understand all that's happening so much better. But hey, I guess that just leaves me with a reason for coming back a second time! ;)
Let's list down some thanksgivings:
1.Weather
it was truly beautiful. 20 degrees there abouts, with warm sun that made the day seem so perfect. Didn't rain at all, except for the very last day. Guess we had to leave some blessing behind for Israel. They're praying for rain all the time, and here we were praying for NO rain. Hahaha.. so we told God, only when we leave then you send the rain ok? And truly, that's what He did. On our last day! Our way of saying Farewell Jerusalem, and be blessed Israel! :)
one little incident. Piggie and I had breakfast with Moshe one morning, and the day was kinda dark, like it was about to rain. Moshe asked us if we brought our umbrellas or raincoats. And we didn't, because we had none. Then he asked us, so what's our plan should it rain? And silly me answered just as how I have been trained to answer.
"By faith!"
and you should have seen the look that swept across moshe's face. I mean.. it was like STUNNED. And a "NOT HAPPY" stunned. Because they have been praying and praying for rain, and here you have this young ignorant girl telling you how her God will stop the rain. (remember, they don't believe in Jesus)
best part was, God did stop the rain! =X I honestly had NO intention whatsoever of coming across as that arrogant "by faith" type of person. That's the last thing I wanted, especially to put your tour group leader down like that. Rather embarrassing isn't it? He didn't exactly React lah. He just looked at us and said a rather forceful "okay. I like that.". Definitely forced.
Anyhow, just hope he wasn't too affected by my stupid answer lah. Gulps.
Back to thanksgivings
2.Safety
Despite all the war that's going on. We were so so safe.
3.Fast Security
It could take forever. Seriously. But apparently, for most of it, it went by so fast! Hallelujah! =D
4.His Truths and Wonders taught
I've learnt so much. From Moshe, from Uncle Sidney, from just being there in the presence of God. It's life-transforming. That's why I love the song:
"there is a peace
there is a rest
that settles here in Your presence
When Your face is very near
Your love erases every fear
It's the power of Your presence
It's the strength of Your hand in mine
It's the glory of Your greatness
That has the power to change my life"
Amen!!
5.People
Really.. this I think is the most important point. Because honestly, it's the people who make the trip enjoyable. Of course I have the people I know. The uncle anils and the uncle peters. And their children. And we really did have fun! The suannings and all. The "serious" conversations, and the truly serious ones. That I will remember for quite a while ;)
but beyond that, there are the friends i've made throughout the trip. And in more ways than one, I thank God for them. So so much! :) to witness the joy that they have in their hearts, to see how friendly they are, and even though things might not be going exactly their way, they are still willing to accommodate and give in. in everything, there is peace. Laughter is always in the air. And it's that type of atmosphere that really lightens the entire trip up. Without all these marvellous fellowshipping, the trip wouldn't be half as good! Honest!!
will I go back to Israel again? OOH DEFINITELY. The question is when. But i'm sure the Lord will provide the right time, and right finances. And the right people once again! ;)
I came back terribly missing Israel. You know the sort of feeling where your heart feels like its sinking, sunk, deep into the pits. Into your stomach. Lost. Yeah, that's how I was feeling on the last day. It came too fast. Once again, too sudden. Sighhh.. I came back to Singapore wishing I was back there again, carefree and excited. Not that I can't lead that kind of life here, but.. it's just different lor.. because when you're there, it's like everything else in life is far far away. It's a form of escapism. But I like escapism in that sense. Hahaha..
oh well, at least I got lots of things to remind me of Israel. Gifts, photos, and this blog too!
And our newly made friends. We meed up like once a month at least, plus all the occasional meet ups in Suntec, and here and there.. hahaha.. we should seriously do this once-a-month meet up all the way! Even if some can't make it, those who can should still just hang out. Coz it's so edifying, just to see how everyone's doing.
Thank you lord for this wonderful blessed trip. I have once again come to experience your goodness and grace, and will never forget this experience that you have so lovingly blessed me with.. :)
Thursday, March 26
The Gifts We Bought
a ring that i bought.. "my beloved is mine, and i am his" :)
my name, Rachel :)
a beautiful colourful candle that we bought during the shopping trip
the holy communion set that i so love
the 1000USD minorah that we bought. nice
the shofar we got
a close up
oil lamp we got from the Narazeth Village, with 4 holy communion cups that we were given
tshirt of hebrew alphabets that i super like!
our Go Israel tour itenarary
my sister's ElAl flight ticket stud. think i lost mine =X
Wednesday, March 25
The Ride Back
At the airport, we tried to snap as many pictures as we possibly could. Snap Snap Snap!! coz it could have been our very last chance..
Moshe with us. love his hat.
us in the plane waiting for take off
the kids according to height, during our transit time at the Hong Kong airport
chong ern wasn't too happy, quite clearly.
Moshe with us. love his hat.
us in the plane waiting for take off
the kids according to height, during our transit time at the Hong Kong airport
chong ern wasn't too happy, quite clearly.
Tuesday, March 24
Bus Musings
Some stuff we did on the bus.. who says bus rides have to be boring?! ;)
and they say my dad can sing.. listen to the last note!! =P
yes, they can definitely sing very high.. and you wonder why they didn't ask you to join their band..
uncle anil: i know not this man..
another cute one of my sister.. this is for always "entertaining" me during the bus rides..
and just where did my sister get her genes from?
the flock of sheep we met one day during our bus ride. we stopped just so that we could take videos and photos. quite funny actually. imagine a bus load of people just stopping to let you and your herd cross the road, with everyone on the bus videoing and taking photos of you like nobody's business!
Q: why did the sheep cross the road?
A: to let pesky tourists snap pictures of them
Moshe teaching us "Meshiya Meshiya Meshiya"..
just to prove how much we loved the song!!
and they say my dad can sing.. listen to the last note!! =P
yes, they can definitely sing very high.. and you wonder why they didn't ask you to join their band..
uncle anil: i know not this man..
another cute one of my sister.. this is for always "entertaining" me during the bus rides..
and just where did my sister get her genes from?
the flock of sheep we met one day during our bus ride. we stopped just so that we could take videos and photos. quite funny actually. imagine a bus load of people just stopping to let you and your herd cross the road, with everyone on the bus videoing and taking photos of you like nobody's business!
Q: why did the sheep cross the road?
A: to let pesky tourists snap pictures of them
Moshe teaching us "Meshiya Meshiya Meshiya"..
just to prove how much we loved the song!!
Emmaus Road
sighhhhhhhh........... our last location. :'(
where Jesus appeared to his 2 disciples after his death and ressurection. and how they didn't realise that this man was Jesus all along. a good time for reflection of the trip, how Jesus was with us all this while, whether we noticed it or not.. :)
truly, His hand was upon us.. :)
thank You Lord for this blessed blessed trip that all of us so thoroughly enjoyed.. we are SO GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVOURED and DEEPLY LOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!
where Jesus appeared to his 2 disciples after his death and ressurection. and how they didn't realise that this man was Jesus all along. a good time for reflection of the trip, how Jesus was with us all this while, whether we noticed it or not.. :)
truly, His hand was upon us.. :)
thank You Lord for this blessed blessed trip that all of us so thoroughly enjoyed.. we are SO GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVOURED and DEEPLY LOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!
Valley of Elah
Where David killed Goliath. AWESOME SITE!!!
unfortunately, the ground was still wet from the rain, so it was too muddy to walk down to the fields. but it's just cool enough BEING there. hahaha.. imagine that great battle taking place. awesome awesome.
once more, about Goliath bearing the mark of the devil.
6 weapons
6 feet tall
600 shekels in weight
yet, David won. because he is God's BELOVED. just like we are today, hallelujah!! =D
Valley of Elah
pan right
pan further right
Moshe showed us his very own produced (yes he owns a company) slingstone! hahaha.. almost bought it.. but where to sling in singapore lah..
moshe and his slingshot
unfortunately, the ground was still wet from the rain, so it was too muddy to walk down to the fields. but it's just cool enough BEING there. hahaha.. imagine that great battle taking place. awesome awesome.
once more, about Goliath bearing the mark of the devil.
6 weapons
6 feet tall
600 shekels in weight
yet, David won. because he is God's BELOVED. just like we are today, hallelujah!! =D
Valley of Elah
pan right
pan further right
Moshe showed us his very own produced (yes he owns a company) slingstone! hahaha.. almost bought it.. but where to sling in singapore lah..
moshe and his slingshot
Lunch @ Finnish Village
good lunch here. loved it. coz of the unique food. met this australian math professor. a very unique character. not your typical friendly PR guy. might come off as somewhat strange, but i enjoyed listening to him share about his mathematical findings. how the randomness of stuff can actually still form a pattern, and even help science studies! hahaha.. really interesting.. :)
one thing cool about this lunch place. it was apparently built because the Finnish people felt guilty and sorry about handing the Jews over to the German Police during the time of the holocaust. so they built this in commemoration of and apology to them. so sweet hor.. :)
tried to snap some picture of how "the mountains surround jerusalem", but the best i could do was this:
once again, the four of us! :) thank God so much for their wonderful company :)
one thing cool about this lunch place. it was apparently built because the Finnish people felt guilty and sorry about handing the Jews over to the German Police during the time of the holocaust. so they built this in commemoration of and apology to them. so sweet hor.. :)
tried to snap some picture of how "the mountains surround jerusalem", but the best i could do was this:
once again, the four of us! :) thank God so much for their wonderful company :)
Renewing of Marriage Vows
We wanted to carry out the renewal of marriage vows at golgotha, but because it was raining and also rather crowded, we decided to do it back at the hotel. so we drove back, and had a very nice cosy room to ourselves, which apparently is much better, coz no noise and no distractions, and no limitations of time! :)
the whole event was very.. hahaha.. heartwarming. started with holy communion, which was lovely. and then husbands and wives were then called out to renew their vows. uncle sidney had printed a paragraph for both husband and wife to declare over each other. very sweet, and very cute.. :)
not the best picture, but trust me, the videos more than make up for it
renewing of vows..
the kiss!!! =D
also, we played naughty and did daddy in. we made him sing a song to mommy!! hahaha.. teach him a thing or two about being romantic. and yeah, it was really quite romantic.. :)
only you..
the whole event was very.. hahaha.. heartwarming. started with holy communion, which was lovely. and then husbands and wives were then called out to renew their vows. uncle sidney had printed a paragraph for both husband and wife to declare over each other. very sweet, and very cute.. :)
not the best picture, but trust me, the videos more than make up for it
renewing of vows..
the kiss!!! =D
also, we played naughty and did daddy in. we made him sing a song to mommy!! hahaha.. teach him a thing or two about being romantic. and yeah, it was really quite romantic.. :)
only you..
Golgotha / Garden Tomb
Alas, it was our last day in Israel. SOOOOO SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!! and as if the amplify this sadness, it started to pour. our first day of rain. -.-
our last photo in our hotel room together
still packing..
we had a late morning coz we had much to pack, had our last breakfast (SO SAD!!!) and headed for golgotha and the garden tomb. (same place)
The Garden Tomb
the view from where we were standing. can you make out the face/skull?
if you can't, here's some help
me smiling beside the skull. yet another ironic picture.
It's amazing how you can really see the SKULL in the rocks. quite scarey. btw, that's where Goliath's head is said to be buried. that's why it's called the place of the skull, ie, Golgotha.
Story goes that there was this European man staying in a hotel across this place. one day he was looking out, and realised how much these rocks resembled a skull. he then thought of how the bible described Golgotha, and figured that this really could be the place. upon further investigation, they found bones around that cliff/area, dating back to the time of Jesus. also, this area is just outside the city gate, (damascus gate), and it's along a major road - a very likely place to have public cruxifiction, as the purpose of cruxifiction then was to warn the public to not carry out these wrongdoings, lest you too be hung on the cross. so logically speaking, this was the best place to conduct cruxifiction.
of course, no one can say for sure lah. like what everyone says, it's not the place that matters, but what it signifies for us today.
we also saw the tomb of Jesus. it's carved from a stone, fresh, which only rich people can do. couldn't quite hear the guy explaining this portion as it was raining, and i was standing quite far behind. and i was very very cold. but anyway, Joseph, the guy who buried Jesus, was freakking rich, so that's why put two and two, and you might guess that this was Jesus' tomb. it was big enough for about 7 people to mourn, which apparently is quite big a number. okaayyy..
on our way into the tomb.. was raining..
the small entrance to the tomb
into the tomb
turning right towards the area the body was laid
the empty tomb.. HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!! =D
our last photo in our hotel room together
still packing..
we had a late morning coz we had much to pack, had our last breakfast (SO SAD!!!) and headed for golgotha and the garden tomb. (same place)
The Garden Tomb
the view from where we were standing. can you make out the face/skull?
if you can't, here's some help
me smiling beside the skull. yet another ironic picture.
It's amazing how you can really see the SKULL in the rocks. quite scarey. btw, that's where Goliath's head is said to be buried. that's why it's called the place of the skull, ie, Golgotha.
Story goes that there was this European man staying in a hotel across this place. one day he was looking out, and realised how much these rocks resembled a skull. he then thought of how the bible described Golgotha, and figured that this really could be the place. upon further investigation, they found bones around that cliff/area, dating back to the time of Jesus. also, this area is just outside the city gate, (damascus gate), and it's along a major road - a very likely place to have public cruxifiction, as the purpose of cruxifiction then was to warn the public to not carry out these wrongdoings, lest you too be hung on the cross. so logically speaking, this was the best place to conduct cruxifiction.
of course, no one can say for sure lah. like what everyone says, it's not the place that matters, but what it signifies for us today.
we also saw the tomb of Jesus. it's carved from a stone, fresh, which only rich people can do. couldn't quite hear the guy explaining this portion as it was raining, and i was standing quite far behind. and i was very very cold. but anyway, Joseph, the guy who buried Jesus, was freakking rich, so that's why put two and two, and you might guess that this was Jesus' tomb. it was big enough for about 7 people to mourn, which apparently is quite big a number. okaayyy..
on our way into the tomb.. was raining..
the small entrance to the tomb
into the tomb
turning right towards the area the body was laid
the empty tomb.. HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!! =D
Monday, March 23
Holocaust Museum / Yad Vashem
This was one of their most sacred places. the Holocaust Museum. and i guess i can understand why. how would you feel if one day, someone wants to wipe out your entire race!! quite scarey, and quite.. painful huh.
didn't quite stay in there for long. gave me the creeps, all the evil things done there. don't think i'll ever want to specialise in this area. at least not in the near future. so didn't quite see the need to explore very much. quickly walked through, and then exited for fellowship and rest.
but the visitors really respect the place. coz as we were walking out, a group of western toursists were walking with us, and along came a group of really noisy jewish teenagers, talking super loudly. the americans (i think) then turned to them and told them "quiet please! respect!" and immediately, the teenagers grew very quiet and apologised. even they knew the significance and importance of the place. respect! and i thought that was very.. amazing a moment.
yes, let's give due respect to those who have suffered the horrible persecution.
didn't quite stay in there for long. gave me the creeps, all the evil things done there. don't think i'll ever want to specialise in this area. at least not in the near future. so didn't quite see the need to explore very much. quickly walked through, and then exited for fellowship and rest.
but the visitors really respect the place. coz as we were walking out, a group of western toursists were walking with us, and along came a group of really noisy jewish teenagers, talking super loudly. the americans (i think) then turned to them and told them "quiet please! respect!" and immediately, the teenagers grew very quiet and apologised. even they knew the significance and importance of the place. respect! and i thought that was very.. amazing a moment.
yes, let's give due respect to those who have suffered the horrible persecution.
Nehemiah's Wall
Then we saw Nehemiah's wall.
apparently, chariots could conduct races on its width! that's how wide it was. and a group of people building the wall for 52 days straight. no sleep, no food also i think. interestingly, that was the period of esther too.. after she became queen. never realised how ezra, nehemiah and esther were written during the same period, but in reverse timeline. esther happened first, followed by nehemiah, followed my ezra. interesting hey.
apparently, chariots could conduct races on its width! that's how wide it was. and a group of people building the wall for 52 days straight. no sleep, no food also i think. interestingly, that was the period of esther too.. after she became queen. never realised how ezra, nehemiah and esther were written during the same period, but in reverse timeline. esther happened first, followed by nehemiah, followed my ezra. interesting hey.
Southern Steps
We are now on the Southern Steps, the other way into the temple. Why is this the most common entrance? because it's from LOW ground to HIGH ground. so they believe that it's more meaningful and significant, you know, when you walk UP.. it's like in humility, you come to meet with God. quite cool i thought. to physically remind us. but then again, we ARE new creations in Christ. the old HAS passed, and the new IS here!!
this is also one of the only areas of the temple that have been reserved. also the place where 3000 got saved by Peter's maiden sermon.
here, we sang "i will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, i will enter His courts with praise. i will say this is the day that the Lord has made, i will rejoice for He has made me glad". very meaningful a song for this occassion, and so as we climbed up, we sang! indeed, that was the day, when Jesus died, and therefore, THIS IS OUR DAY OF CELEBRATION!!!
we then proceeded to the Jewish quarter, which was more organised and less dense/crowded. and we had our lunch there. kebabs and other typical jewish dishes.
after that, we had shopping!!! =D bought more things, if it's even possible.
Wailing Wall
We then reached the famous Wailing Wall.
where people were REALLY wailing. quite a sight. once again, females were seperated from males. people would usually write their prayers on a small piece of paper, and try and slip them into the cracks of the wall. so that's what i did! hahaha.. just for fun and tradition. i know i don't need to write it down on paper etc, (like what uncle peter says, why use slow mail when we've got direct access?) but just for experience's sake. hahaha..
some pics of us being so pious. hahaha..
but i WAS genuinely praying lah. wah, it was so tough to just GET to the wall. had to wait for ages, and then squeeze my way through the crowd.. so of course had better get my "time's" worth! hahaha...
more pictures of us at the site
we also saw this mini-showcase area, and Moshe taught us about the timeline of Jewish history.. pretty interesting. who conquered Jerusalem when..
also, Jews would usually celebrate boys turning 13 years old. a "becoming a man" time. Bamitzvah. took a video of part of their celebration. very loud and jovial and affair. quite the opposite of the wailing wall.. and yet, both occurances are side by side.
one such celebration
Via Dolorosa
here, we went through very briefly the via dolorosa. for some reason, we didn't quite dwell on this part. don't know if it's because everyone was just in such a rush, or whether they purposely didn't want us to DWELL on this part. for some reason.
anyhow. the first 2 stations of the cross.
1st station - smooth stone. where Jesus was spit at, crown of thorns were placed on him. the place of judgement. remember, he bore our worries (at the brain) so that we could be stress free!
2nd station - grooved stone. so that animals won't sleep when they walk. uneven ground. no pictures unfortunately.
the rest of the stations were abit.. blurred. took some pictures of pictures. hahaha.. but that's about it.
oh, the only cool thing is, you know what the 5th station is? (5 being the number of grace). when Simon helped Jesus carry the cross. talk about grace huh. beautiful picture.. :)
the streets were so.. filled. imagine Jesus having to walk down these streets. what a sight it must have been!
people were trying to sell stuff to us all along the way
example of man carrying cross. but of course, fake one lah. for tourists haha
the Via Dolorosa
some streets were more quiet, so quick quick take photo!!
there was a nice mural which depicted the time of Jesus, and what must have been there along the streets. decided to sit on the "floor" and pretend to have been there hahaha
they had many bagel shops.. jewish bagels. interestingly shaped. quite nice a bite.
wanru and me enjoying the bagel YUM.. thanks Moshe for the treat! ;)
a minorah that we spotted
israelites playing their drums so cool lah
also, Jews would usually celebrate boys turning 13 years old. a "becoming a man" time. Bamitzvah. took a video of part of their celebration. very loud and jovial and affair. quite the opposite of the wailing wall.. and yet, both occurances are side by side.
watch it!
mom just had to barge between them haha
anyhow. the first 2 stations of the cross.
1st station - smooth stone. where Jesus was spit at, crown of thorns were placed on him. the place of judgement. remember, he bore our worries (at the brain) so that we could be stress free!
2nd station - grooved stone. so that animals won't sleep when they walk. uneven ground. no pictures unfortunately.
the rest of the stations were abit.. blurred. took some pictures of pictures. hahaha.. but that's about it.
oh, the only cool thing is, you know what the 5th station is? (5 being the number of grace). when Simon helped Jesus carry the cross. talk about grace huh. beautiful picture.. :)
the streets were so.. filled. imagine Jesus having to walk down these streets. what a sight it must have been!
people were trying to sell stuff to us all along the way
example of man carrying cross. but of course, fake one lah. for tourists haha
the Via Dolorosa
some streets were more quiet, so quick quick take photo!!
there was a nice mural which depicted the time of Jesus, and what must have been there along the streets. decided to sit on the "floor" and pretend to have been there hahaha
they had many bagel shops.. jewish bagels. interestingly shaped. quite nice a bite.
wanru and me enjoying the bagel YUM.. thanks Moshe for the treat! ;)
a minorah that we spotted
israelites playing their drums so cool lah
also, Jews would usually celebrate boys turning 13 years old. a "becoming a man" time. Bamitzvah. took a video of part of their celebration. very loud and jovial and affair. quite the opposite of the wailing wall.. and yet, both occurances are side by side.
watch it!
mom just had to barge between them haha
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)